Bette Kaplan reports on a study of the usefulness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue. Read the full article here.
Promising results in a pilot study for treating fatigue with acupuncture.
“Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a pervasive component of the cancer spectrum that affects patients before, during, and after treatment. For example, as many as 90% of patients who have had a bone marrow transplant or some type of chemotherapy cope with CRF, and the syndrome affects up to 65% of patients undergoing radiation therapy.”
Because fatigue is so common and so limiting for patients receiving cancer treatment, oncologists are always searching for more effective treatment protocols. The UCLA Medical School and Center for East-West Medicine hosted a study on the effectiveness of integrative medicine in the treatment of breast cancer survivors. The trial was randomized and controlled, though the small number of patients qualified it as a pilot study, with hope of further investigation.
“The investigators wrote: ‘… the practitioners oriented patients towards a holistic view of health, built up their self-efficacy through a structured set of progressively challenging mastery experiences, and delivered acupuncture early on to achieve results that would enhance commitment to and confidence in self-care.’”
While the seven control patients received standard care, the treatment group was taught relaxation techniques and given advice on nutrition and exercise. In addition, they received acupuncture treatments once a week for 8 weeks. For the five patients in the treatment group, fatigue was reduced by 66%. In addition, no negative effects from the acupuncture were reported, such as bruising, panic, or fainting. While both groups maintained their medications and treatment with their personal physicians, it was the opinion of the researchers that the treatment group benefited greatly from the additional holistic care, especially as it enabled the patients to take care of themselves better while not in the clinic.
At Sustain Community Acupuncture our practitioners pride themselves on maintaining a strong relationship with patients. Instead of just treating symptoms, such as fatigue, the acupuncturists are also able to advise their patients on holistic care, herbal remedies, diet, and nutrition. As in the study, this practice increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable healthcare and acupuncture in San Diego. Located in San Diego between the Hillcrest and North Park neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Medical Massage. For questions about this article or for a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us at info@sustaincommunityacupuncture.com.
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